Thinking of Spring Break? Don't Forget about a Summer Job

Spring Break is so close for many college students ... only one, two, or three more weeks and you can enjoy your hard-earned break from papers, reading, exams, and midterms! Yahoo!

Not to sound like a Negative Nancy, but one important thing to keep on your to-do-before-Spring-Break list, however, is to apply for summer jobs (or at least get ready to). A few simple steps you can take now will make your summer much, much easier (and possibly more profitable):

• Get your resume looked over by the campus Career Center
• Start talking to family and friends about what summer job openings they might know about
• Start looking online for summer job options
• Consider working on campus this summer if you think doing so might be right for you
• Try to set up interviews for any open positions the next time you're home -- including over your Spring Break

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Doing Some Last-Minute Shopping? Don't Forget Your Student ID!

If you're celebrating a gift-giving holiday over your winter break, chances are you're engaging in some last-minute shopping. Even those students who are fantastic about planning ahead sometimes are left in a time crunch because of end-of-the-semester chaos and the stress of finals.

For those of you experiencing the, ahem, joys of last-minute shopping, don't forget to show your student ID. Even if you're not sure if a place will give you a discount, it's worth asking! Some unexpected places -- like J. Crew -- often offer student discounts but don't blatantly advertise them.

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Don't Forget to Register to Vote!

There was a Republican debate last night, which reminded me of a challenge many college students face: figuring out how to vote in college.

In many places, you can vote where you go to school or where you consider your more permanent home, like your parents' house. Either way, you'll need to make sure you're registered to vote -- and, if applicable, that you've requested an absentee ballot in advance.

• How to Vote as a College Student
• Why Your Vote as a College Student Really Does Matter
• How to Be Politically Active Before an Election (and Still Finish Your Homework)

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Don't Forget Your Parents

You may be having the time of your life while in school, but your parents may be going crazy. They want you to call every night; you think you're independent now and should only call when you feel like it. Keeping them updated about all that is new and exciting in your life doesn't have to be a chore.

• Call them -- and take their calls when they call you. You don't have to call them every day, and you don't have to take their calls every time they want to talk, but at least respect their desire to know what's going on with you. Ignoring the phone calls will just make it worse!
• Send emails. Your folks probably know that your schedule is crazy, and that calling isn't always an option. If you're up late, think they might already be asleep, and have a few minutes before going to bed, send them a quick email. It doesn't have to be too long or detailed, but at least let them know how you're doing.
• Send them text messages. It doesn't take much time or effort to send a message saying "Just got my test back - B+!" or "Just took my first salsa dancing class!" Even if your parents have no idea how to text back, they'll appreciate you thinking of them. (Reminder: not all parents know common text messaging acronyms. Be patient.)
• Have a set time to call. It may seem annoying at first, but it will help to ensure you update them on a regular basis -- and that they won't call you ten million other times during the week. (Or that, if they do, you can gently remind them of your upcoming time to talk!)
• Set a number of days you can go without checking in. If the preset time to call doesn't work for you, agree to call or otherwise touch base every certain number of days.
• Use IM with your parents. IM may have been something you used to communicate around your parents before you started college, but that doesn't mean you can't use it to keep in touch with them now. Plus, you can always use it as proof that you are on the computer doing homework!
• Use your webcam. It's easy to set up, only has to last for a few minutes, and will make your parents happy.
• Send an old-fashioned letter or card. It doesn't have to be fancy, but for a couple of bucks and the cost of a postage stamp, you can send your parents an unexpected greeting.

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